A blog by Prathesa Selvaraj, Project Officer, System 2
- Why collaboration with lived experience matters
At System 2, we aim to disrupt persistent cycles of disadvantage by tackling complex social issues. Our research combines a systems thinking approach with behavioural insights, and places great importance on deep collaboration with those with lived experience of the issue.
We believe collaboration with those individuals who have direct experience of being the target beneficiary is the key to creating solutions that are more effective. When collaboration is done well, it promotes equity and empathy. But meaningful collaboration doesn’t happen by accident – it requires intention, an ethical approach, and a commitment to listening and learning.
We have put a lot of thought into how we collaborate during our research, and are continuing on our learning journey. Here are ten lessons we’ve so far discovered along the way, brought to life through real-world case studies of how it can be applied.
1) Tokenism undermines trust – real collaboration requires agency
We’ve found that collaboration only works when lived experience experts are empowered to shape decisions. It’s not enough to ask for input—there must be a clear pathway for their ideas to influence outcomes.
Case study: Amplifying Youth Perspectives
System 2’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) co-designed our research priorities, selecting specific areas within mental health and employment for us to focus our efforts on. By involving young people in shaping the agenda, their insights directly influenced the direction of our future research efforts, ensuring their voices were central to the process.
2) Power imbalances hinder open dialogue – foster equitable environments
Power dynamics between facilitators, decision-makers, and participants can stifle genuine collaboration. Addressing this requires creating equitable environments where all voices are valued.
Case study: Digital Compass: Ethical Online Behaviour
The Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) co-designed a digital ethics program with young people and educators. By empowering participants to reflect on their personal values, the project created a safe, inclusive space for collaboration, ensuring all perspectives were acknowledged.
3) Stories build empathy – focus on strengths, not vulnerabilities
Personal stories are powerful for building empathy and challenging stereotypes, but it’s important to highlight strengths and achievements rather than vulnerabilities.
Case study: Improving Public Attitudes Towards Disabled People
BIT’s campaign with Scope showcased the successes of disabled individuals in positions of status, affirming dignity and countering stereotypes. The campaign’s authenticity was rooted in collaboration with people with disabilities.
4) Engagement must be accessible – reduce barriers to participation
Accessibility is key to inclusive collaboration. This includes offering multiple participation formats, providing language support, and ensuring physical or digital access.
Case Study: Engaging with Lived Experience Framework (NSW Government)
The framework prioritised diverse participation through accessible materials, fair remuneration, and transparent communication. Tailored approaches ensured that even underrepresented voices could contribute meaningfully.
5) Pre-engagement preparation fosters clarity and confidence
Pre-briefing participants ensures they understand the purpose, expectations, and scope of their involvement, fostering confidence and trust.
Case study: Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic)
YACVic’s protocols emphasised detailed pre-briefing sessions, helping young people articulate their goals and set boundaries for storytelling, ensuring ethical and impactful engagement.
6) Co-design produces solutions that resonate – embed it early
Collaboration is most impactful when lived experience experts are involved from the start, co-designing solutions that reflect their realities.
Case study: Co-Designing Employment Services with Marginalised Job Seekers
In the Reimagining the Employment Services System project, System 2 facilitated workshops with job seekers to develop prototype interventions, such as flexible childcare options and tailored skills training. These ideas were co-created and piloted for real-world feasibility.
7) Feedback loops build trust – show how input shapes outcomes
Participants need to see how their contributions influence decisions to feel valued. Transparency and iteration are crucial for maintaining trust.
Case study: System 2 Youth Advisory Board
After every YAB meeting, members produced summaries shared with stakeholders, demonstrating how their insights informed System 2’s decisions, from research priorities to public campaigns.
8) Ethical engagement requires ongoing support
Sharing lived experiences, especially around trauma, can be emotionally taxing. Providing robust support mechanisms is essential.
Case study: NCOSS Lived Experience Framework
NCOSS built trauma-informed environments, offering follow-up resources and distress protocols. This approach ensured participants felt safe and supported before, during, and after engagement activities.
9) Engagement fatigue is real – balance demands with recognition
Repeated requests for input without tangible results can discourage participation. It’s essential to balance engagement with meaningful recognition of contributions.
Case study: Youth Co-Research Toolkit
The toolkit empowers young people as co-researchers by embedding clear roles, capacity-building tools, and shared decision-making into the research process; this ensures young collaborators feel valued and supported.
10) Collaboration thrives on diversity – include multiple perspectives
Broadening the range of participants enriches understanding and leads to more comprehensive solutions.
Case study: Lived Experience Network (South Australian Department of Human Services)
The Lived Experience Network – a group of advisors from varied backgrounds. By including diverse perspectives, the network ensured child and family services reflected community needs, resulting in more equitable and impactful outcomes.
At System 2, meaningful collaboration with those with lived experience – our beneficiaries – is an ongoing process of listening, learning, and evolving. Every project teaches us something new about how to engage ethically, inclusively, and effectively. By embedding these lessons into your approach, we hope to create partnerships that foster trust, equity, and lasting impact.
Ready to make collaboration meaningful? Let’s build a fairer, more inclusive society – together.